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Fire engine gets stuck in mud on way to Cumbrian blaze

A fire engine was out of action for more than two hours after getting stuck in mud when it was called to a rubbish fire.

The stranded fire engine

The appliance, from Whitehaven, had been called to a blaze at Mirehouse Ponds.

Fire chiefs have condemned those who start ‘deliberate fires’ and tie up resources which then can’t attend genuine emergencies.

The small rubbish fire was next to a shipping container well away from the main road. The fire engine’s rear wheel dropped into soft mud and became stuck.

A Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the incident highlighted the dangers posed by deliberate fires.

“Dealing with these types of avoidable blazes ties up our resources and, given that a fire engine can only be in one place at one time, it means we could be delayed attending serious emergencies like house fires or road traffic collisions,” he said.

With seven engines in the Copeland area, a spokesperson for the fire service said there was still enough cover and there were no other call outs.

The fire truck was stuck on land belonging to the Haig Angling Club. Secretary Stephen McGuire said he was “sick and tired” of rubbish fires being started there.

The truck was rescued by an ex-military vehicle from Egertons around 7.30pm.